“Grand Theft Auto 6” details have been reportedly leaked. And we are literally salivating

Grand Theft Auto has been a iconic, tour de force in the open world gaming genre, and for good reason. The latest Grand Theft Auto V, released way back in 2013, is still a strongly performing game with its online mode. But what could possibly topple it? – I hear you ask? Grand Theft Auto 6.

The (speculative) GTA VI map

And apparently a leak of the intended plans of the forthcoming game has been released. Details include the largest map to date, comprised of classic locations spread across the entire GTA series. So Vice City, Liberty City, Los Santos… all of ’em.

And if this sheer scale is true, then the next alledged news should not be a surprise. The GTA 6 game reportedly will skip the current Xbox One and PS4 consoles for the nex gen consoles, as the current consoles are not nearly powerful enough to run the game.

Now, while all this seems grand, the reported release date schedule seems very optimistic. Particularly because Rockstar Games just about gave us Red Dead Redemption 2. The release date is hypothesised to come around 2021. That I would believe to be more rumour, if not for Take Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick recent statement on the future of launching Rockstar/Take Two games:

I don’t see it (game release schedules) expanding further. In fact, I would expect in many instances it may compress. I think you’re right in that our ability to engage with consumers on an ongoing basis has [resulted in] some less pressure on getting to market with an all-new title.

But we find that intersection between the time it takes our creators to do the best work in the industry on the one hand, and what the consumer wants, recognising that building anticipation is a good thing.

And we believe in resting titles as a great thing. I was a real outlier 12 years ago when we said we don’t think it makes sense to annualise non-sports titles, and now most people would agree. But I think eight years is probably too long.